Non-Profit Organization, SAVE, to benefit from Music Saves Lives acoustic event at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills
(HOLLYWOOD PRESS CORPS) — Los Angeles, California — Friday, December 1st, 2023 — Suicide awareness and education will be front and center at a charity event to be held at the legendary Canyon Club, The Canyon – Agoura Hills – Where Music Meets The Soul® – The Official Site, in Agoura Hills, California on Monday, December 4th. The non-profit, SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education), www.save.org, one of the nation’s leading suicide prevention organizations, will be the beneficiary of funds.
Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age
Comedian David Forseth will serve as the event Emcee that will feature remarks by SAVE Executive Director Erich Mische, and acoustic performances by Josh Homme and Friends, Brett Scallions (Fuel, Radiobot), Kevin Martin (Candlebox), Orianthi, Billy Morrison (Billy Idol), Julia Lage (Vixen), Jonathan Mover (Aretha Franklin, Alice Cooper, Joe Satriani, Shakira) and Richie Kotzen.
Brett Scallions (Fuel,Radiobot)
General Admission and VIP Tickets are available for purchase for the event which will take place on Monday, December 4th at the Canyon Club, 28912 Roadside Dr, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Comedian David Forseth will serve as the event Emcee
SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education) is one of the nation’s first organizations dedicated to the prevention of suicide. It was founded on the belief that suicide is a preventable tragedy, and that each and every individual plays a crucial role in the effort to prevent it. SAVE utilizes the latest and most reliable evidence to develop educational programming for youth and young adults, conduct training for professionals across a wide array of industries, and support those who have experienced the devastating loss of a loved one due to suicide. Through these vital initiatives, we know we can SAVE lives.
SAVE director Erich Mische
The Facts: Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States and a serious public health concern. In 2022, we lost over 49,000 Americans to suicide. That’s one suicide death nearly every 11 minutes. The number of individuals who think or attempt suicide is much, much higher. It’s estimated nearly 12.3 million people think about suicide, 3.5 million make a plan, and 1.7 million attempt suicide.
“Santa”, AKA Celebrity Philanthropist Patrick Carroll brought his “Kickz for Kids” tour to Los Angeles on November 16th 2023 at the Mar-Vista Gardens Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica. Joining Patrick were celebrity friends Ben Kickz (The Sneaker Don), Taylor Armstrong (Real Housewives of Orange County). Heather McDonald , Gia Skova and other caring souls. LA Rams’ official mascot “Rampage” attended and kept the energy high by dancing, taking photos and shooting hoops with the kids.
Patrick’s foundation, The M Patrick Carroll Foundation provides support to underprivileged children, families, organizations and global causes for those in need. This was Carroll’s 7th U.S. City to date reaching a total of $700,000 in shoes donated.
Heather McDonald and Taylor Armstrong Rampage and new friendBen Kickz and Patrick CarrollArtist and fanGia Skova and Patrick CarrollPizza and snacks were also providedAfterglow of KicksGia Skova and Rampage with some new kicks owners Mmmmm, pizzaHeather McDonaldFinished paintingPatrick Carroll and Rampage Proper fittingEagerly awaitingGood times and gifting
The “She Ready” Foundation held their first annual “Adult Prom” to create awareness and raise funds for the foundation that addresses Foster Care by distributing much needed funding for scholarships, luggage, internships and many other opportunities.
Jimmy Kimmel and Prom DateChristine DevineLondon HarrisTiffany Haddish
Tiffany knows all too well what it is like being in foster care as she, herself experienced it as a child growing up and with the “She Ready” foundation, she is doing her part to assist and make things a little brighter for those in now similar situations. It was a night of dancing, performances and dreams as the foundation raised much needed funds to support their mission. For more information or to donate to this organization, visit www.shereadyfoundation.org
Tiffany and MarioMychal-Bella BowmanBert KreischerAaron Stansberry (artist)Martin Muoto and guestJustin SanchezJason LeeJadeChristine DevineColumbus ShortObi NnadiElliott ConnieJo KoyTiffany Haddish, Dr. George C. Fraser and Dr. Thyonne GordanRel HoweryApril Showers
(HOLLYWOOD PRESS CORPS) — Los Angeles, California — Saturday, February 11th, 2023 — The Hollywood Press Corps was at the opening night and red carpet for Garbo’s Cuban Lover on the east side of Los Angeles in the Boyle Heights Arts District. Theatre goers and media were eager to see the play written, produced and starring the amazing Odalys Nanin.
Mercedes de Acosta
Mercedes was a beautiful Cuban woman and she loved beautiful starlets of the day. Just to name a few, Pola Negri, a famous Russian ballerina, the dancer Isadora Duncan, Marlene Dietrich, Tallulah Bankhead and many, many others. In a letter from Isadora Duncan to Mercedes, Isadora wrote,”Mercedes, lead me with your little strong hands and I will follow you to the top of a mountain.”
The amazing cast of Garbo’s Cuban Lover a play by Odalys Nanin. Photo by Dustin Brown for Hollywood Press Corps 2023
Nanin really does a master class in theatre acting. She expertly explores the huge appetite Mercedes de Acosta had for not only physical relationships, but amazing correspondence between Mercedes and her lovers.
Mercedes de Acosta had a long on again, off again relationship with Greta Garbo and Marelen Dietrich. Nanin imagines the passionate lesbian love Mercedes had. Mercedes was a rising screen writing star in Hollywood super producer Irving Thalberg’s world. Unfortunately, Thalberg died unexpectedly from pneumonia in 1941. After that Mercedes stopped writing for the pictures in Hollywood and moved to New York City to work in publishing.
Lydie Denier (L) with Odalys Nanin (R)
Mercedes was a playwright, a poet and a screenwriter for MGM. She was known for wearing mens suits and Talulah Bankhead called her, “Countess Dracula”. Nanin plays her with an Edward G Robinson energy. The play is written well and moves really well. The play has clever scenes that use blocking effectively. There is rowing scene between Mercedes and Garbo that is clever. The play covers Mercedes life until she gets passes. Nanin imagines the final scene between Mercedes and Greta Garbo. It ends with Garbo saying, “I just want to be left alone.” That got a big laugh from the Garbo fans.
Lydie Denier looking very Greta Garbo
Lydie Denier as Greta Garbo is a fine performance. How does one get the deep voice and one word responses of Greta Garbo right? Lydie gets Greta’s humor and speaking rhythm. Lydie also looks gorgeous as a Scandinavian in the costumes she wore. She has the Garbo vibe and she has a pro Theatre Actors energy. She carefully but purposefully puts out a complicated Garbo who keeps coming back to this one woman (Mercedes).
Kesia Elwin plays a flirty and fun lover to Odalys’ Mercedes
Kesia Elwin as Isadora Duncan portrays the American dancer so well with dancing and fun energy. She shows the passion between Duncan and Mercedes. Isadora Duncan is such a great figure in American history. Kesia brings out the playful soul of Isadora.
Kate Patel as Marlene Dietrich is wondeful. A tall beautiful blonde woman, Kate, seemed to be exploring lesbian love on the stage and all that comes with it. I could see her assessing her own relationships (whatever those are) to get to a passionate moment between the lovers. The Dietrich scene at the end had Kate bringing out maximum Dietrich. The German accent, the story of Dietrich hooking up with Garbo. It is old news now, but that was a big Hollywood secret that only came out in the 1980s. I would love to see Kate Patel in a Sam Shepard play like Fool for Love.
Lydie Denier as Greta Garbo (center)
Kate Patel as Marlene Dietrich
Skip Pipo as Irving Thalberg is great. Skip has a familiar, Hollywood’s Golden Age sort of look. Thalberg was a mystery and died so young. It’s hard to get a feeling for what Thalberg was really like.
Character actor Skip Pipo
Skip portrays Thalberg as a busy producer who works with the all top actors. Skip also keeps the action going by playing other characters. I did a double take as I thought Skip was John Mahoney from Fraiser.
Bruna Bertossi in a funny dance sequence during Garbo’s Secret Lover
Bruna Bertossi as Poppy Kirk gets some of the biggest laughs when she’s flirting with Mercedes. Bruna brings fun and sexy to the play. She is a beautiful International fashion model and has comedy acting chops too. Myeva Surjik plays Salka Viertel. This role is important to the plot as Mercedes life pivots around Salka’s actions. Myeva does a good job playing Mercedes’ nemesis.
I saw Phil Sokolow at the red carpet and we both agreed that Garbo’s Cuban Lover is a fun journey and a good play. I think it’d make a great movie with a young Cuban actress and Phill suggested Ana De Armas which is a great idea.
Myeva Surjik, Bruna Bertossi and Kate Patel
Odalys Nanin on the red carpet. Photo by Michele Marotta
(HOLLYWOOD PRESS CORPS) ~ Pasadena Comic Con brought to you by the team behind the world famous Power Morphicon returned to the Pasadena Convention center last weekend with an all-star list of celebrities.
Alyson Sullivan (Wild Force). Photo by Alex Kluft
To name a few appearances: the original Tinkerbell Margaret Kerry, from the original One Hundred and One Dalmatians Mimi Gibson (Lucky) and David Frankham (Sgt. Tibbs), Rocky Horror Picture Show’s Barry Bostwick (Brad Majors), Ed Begley Jr., Ryan Hurst (Sons of Anarchy), Shazam! Star Michael Gray, and wrestling legend Honky Tonk Man.
Eric Bauza ~ Stimpy from Ren & Stimpy. Photo by Alex Kluft
This show wouldn’t be complete without a few Power Rangers like Johnny Young Bosch (MMPR/ZEO/Turbo), Jason Faunt (Time Force), Richard Horvitz (Alpha 5 voice), Alyson Sullivan (Wild Force), Liana Ramirez (Beast Morphers), Dwayne Cameron (SPD/Operation Overdrive/Dino Thunder/SPD),Brennan Mejia (Dino Charge/Super Dino Charge), Romy J. Sharf (Alpha 5 Suit Actor), and prop master Mark Richardson.
Derek Riggs creator of Iron Maiden’s mascot, “Eddie”.
Jeep from Steven Spielberg’s massive blockbuster, Jurassic Park. Photo by Alex Kluft
EBJ ~ Photo by Alex Kluft
There were also a few voice actors/actresses to beloved childhood favorites Barney The Dinosaur (Bob West), Gir from Invader Zim (Rikki Simons), Courage the Cowardly Dog (Marty Grabstein), Eric Bauza (Looney Tunes), and Boo from Monsters Inc. (Mary Gibbs).
Ninja Turtle ~ Photo by Alex Kluft
Any good comic convention needs a few artists and none other than Scott Shaw, Larry Houston, Derek Riggs, Chuck Patton, Steven E. Gordon, and Steve Nazar.
(Hollywood Press Corps) The Metal Hall of Fame’s annual gala was at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills. Host, Eddie Trunk, emceed the event and walked the red carpet before the show. There were hundreds of fans who came to see the event. One couple taking photos on their iPhones came all the way from Fort Worth, Texas just to see the show. There were also people who came all the way from the United Kingdom! Metal Hall founder, Pat Gesualdo posed for photos outside the event. This event was totally sold out and standing room only. The red carpet had so many iconic people from the world of Metal. Inductee Chris Impellitteri took photos out front and played a cool three song set on stage including the hit, “Balls to the Wall.”
From left to right: Ahmet Zappa, Oni Logan, Wendy Dio, Rudy Sarzo and Doug Aldrich. Photo by Alex Kluft
The heavy metal band, Raven, was goofing around the red carpet and being vey Spinal Tap like. On stage, they showed off their amazing chops with killer vocals and shredding guitar. The Gallagher brothers are Metal icons and a lot of fun to watch. Dee Snyder said that years ago, metal bands like Metallica would open for Raven. Dee said that it was a real honor to get to see Raven play.
The Gallagher brothers from Raven. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman for the Hollywood Press Corps 2023
Mark Gallagher from Raven. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman 2023
John Gallagher from Raven photo by Ellen Zuckerman
Dee Snider from Twisted Sister. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman
Dee Snider and Twisted Sister ~ holy crap! Dee Snider just blew everyone away. Watching Dee front Twisted Sister is an amazing experience. Dee gave everything in just three songs. He’s so gracious as a frontman. He includes the fans and is a songwriter who really thinks about the words he sings. At one point, Dee made a comment to an eager fan in the front row who was filming with his iPhone. He said, put the phone down and stop posting for a second! It was all in good fun and everyone in the joint was on their feet cheering on Twisted Sister. There was a rumour going around that this is Twisted Sister’s last performance but I seriously doubt it. Bass player Mark Mendoza played down thick amazing bass licks.
Jay Jay French ~ Metal Hall of Fame Inductee from Twisted Sister. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman
Jay Jay French, guitar player for Twisted Sister told a funny story. He said that back in the beginning of Twisted Sister, they were on tour in England and this one kid would show up at every show. He said the kid was really annoying. On one stop of the tour, nobody showed up! And right before they were going to start playing in an empty concert hall, in walks that kid and boy we’re they glad to see him. Then, after the show, he overheard the T-shirt guy selling the kid a t-shirt and the t-shirt guy didn’t even know who the band was. So the kid told him ~ it’s Twisted Fucking Sister!!! The whole place started cheering. Dee then took over and said ~ That’s why I don’t let Jay Jay say anything! Everybody laughed. Dee then brought out the heavy armour with We’re Not Gonna Take It and blew the roof off the place. Everybody was ready to keep going for an hour or two! Really was an incredible performance.
Dee Snider ~ Photo by Ellen Zuckerman
Twister Sister ~ Dee Snider and Mark “the Animal” Mendoza on bass. Photos by Ellen Zuckerman for the Hollywood Press Corps 2023
Adam and the Metal Hawks did an amazing three song set that was a blend of Zeppelin meets AC/DC. Lots of potential and sounded great.
Adam Ezegelian from AMH. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman
AMH Photo by Ellen Zuckerman
Ryan Daversa ~ Bass player for AMH (Adam and the Metal Hawks). The future of Metal. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman
John Barry guitarist for Adam and the Metal Hawks. Photo by Ellen Zuckerman
AMH ~ Adam and the Metal Hawks. Photos by Ellen Zuckerman for the Hollywood Press Corps 2023
The next and final act was Doug Aldrich (Dead Daises) with Keith St John, Rudy Sarzo and Joe Torres. Lots of fun with that classic metal sound.
Doug Aldrich from Dead Daises. Photo by Alex Kluft
Rudy Sarzo from Quiet Riot and Ozzy. Photo by Alex Kluft
Excellent host Eddie Trunk. Photo by Alex Kluft
Inductee Chris Impellitteri. Photo by Alex Kluft
Lou Gramm from Foreigner on the red carpet. Photo by Alex Kluft
Lou Gramm from Foreigner gave a touching thank you speech. He told a funny story about shooting pool with John Lennon and Phil Spector in New York City at the Recording Factory when John Lennon was recording his oldies record.
Twisted Sister ~ Photo by Alex Kluft
Twisted Sister ~ Photo by Alex Kluft
John Gallagher from Raven. Photo by Alex Kluft
Mark Gallagher from Raven ~ Photo by Alex Kluft
Stunt guitar master Steve Vai speaking at the ceremony. Photo by Alex Kluft
Raven ~ Photo by Alex Kluft
Adam Ezegelian from Adam and the Metal Hawks. Photo by Alex Kluft
Guitarist for AMH Johnny Barry. Photo by Alex Kluft
The Hollywood Press Corps looks forward to future Metal Hall of Fame Events.
(HOLLYWOOD PRESS CORPS) Los Angeles, CA, February 7th 2023 ~ Give Back Through Music is a new non profit setting out to empower music fans to embrace the art of giving. They are producing music events that provide fans with exclusive access to immersive experiences with the artists. Proceeds from these events will help to fund local charities in the Los Angeles area that focus on initiatives that advance human and animal welfare.
Stephen Perkins from Jane’s Addiction. A new nonprofit is holding its first event at the Comedy Store in Hollywood, to benefit Upward Bound House. Photo by Alex Kluft
The first event will benefit Upward Bound House, which provides aid and housing to homeless families in Los Angeles. The music and comedy show will feature five bands and several comedians, at the Comedy Store in Hollywood on February 19th.
Artists performing include Stephen Perkins (Jane’s Addiction, Porno for Pyros), Nalle Colt (Vintage Trouble), Chris Wyse (The Cult, Hollywood Vampires, Ozzy Osbourne, Ace Frehley), Carmine Rojas (David Bowie, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart) and many others. In connection with the event, the charity is auctioning musical gear and memorabilia donated by artists including Stephen Perkins, Steve Lukather and Steve Vai.
Chris Wyse from Owl, Ozzy and Ace Freely. Photo by Alex Kluft
It’s co-founders Breck Philip, Fabrizio Grossi and Marc Reiser have planned their nonprofit for three years, however were delayed because of the pandemic. “We’re excited to gather our friends and supporters to launch Give Back Through Music while raising money for an important group of people here in L.A.” says Grossi, president, a touring musician and producer himself, who will be performing at the event.
“This is the first of four events that Give Back Through Music is currently producing” says Philip, who is busy gathering initial sponsors interested in helping the new charity as it launches. “We’re fortunate to work with an expansive and diverse group of musicians who are eager to give back to the community”. Tickets to the event can be purchased at: https://www.showclix.com/event/home-february19th
(HOLLYWOOD PRESS COPRS) — The 16th Annual Slack Key fest was Sunday, January 15th, at the Redondo Beach Performance Art Center. The South Bay is lucky to have both the Performing Arts Center and The Slack Key Fest. It was such a great lineup. Fans of the soundtrack of the Decendants movie with George Clooney were in for a treat as this concert featured the top master players in Hawaiian music. This concert is the number one slack key guitar event outside of Hawaii.
Amazing line up at the Southern California Slack Key
From the smooth playing of Jeff Peterson to the harmonies of Makaha Sons, this was a great day for Hawaiian music. Slack Key guitar is named because the strings are tuned differently than standard running. Sonny Lim explained that he thought it would be easier to strum the guitar tuned open but soon found out that it’s actually much more complicated. Sonny went on to play in a style that sounded like four guitars playing at once while he sang in Hawaiian.
The Island Market Place was able to set up outside between the rain storms. Lots of cool mementos and aloha shirts, ukulele and tiki vendors. It’s been raining for the last couple of weeks. Like Kimo West said, “No rain, no rainbows”
Bryan Tolentino (L) with George Kuo (R) Photo by Dustin Brown for thew Hollywood Press Corps 2023
The concert started with all the musicians on stage. So many legendary players on stage like a big Ohana (family) get together. A professional set designer has fashioned an amazing set. With all the Grammy nominated and legendary players, there’s no way to rank them.
Kamuela bringing on Makaha Sons
Kamuela Kimono at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center for the 16th Annual Slack Key Festival. Photo by Dustin Brown for the Hollywood Press Corps 2023
The event was emceed by Kamuela Kimono. He was accompanied by his son little Ka’ihi Kimono. Kamuela is from the Grammy nominated band Hoku. He sang a number at the festival that featured Hawaiian yodelling which is very rare and hard to do. It sounded amazing and was full of aloha spirit. Kampala is a teacher at Windward University on Oahu and teaches a variety of music classes there. He has a very fun, Hawaiian personality on stage. He pulls off the sort of corny but the style the people love in Hawaiian music. His son Ka’ihi represents the future of Slack Key guitar and he is a fine player and singer.
From left to right, Sonny Lim, Kimo West, Bryan Tolentino and Jeff Peterson
Kimo West is know as one of the all time greats of Slack Key. Also called Ki ho’alu in Hawaiian, Kimo has all kinds of stories and songs that make you feel the aloha. Sunny Lim was on the stage quite a bit playing electric bass, and of course guitar. Sonny is from the Big Island and is sort of a living legend.
Sonny’s dad was a Paniolo or cowboy back in the day and his dad was also a well known musician. Sonny worked on Parker Ranch on the Big Island which was a cattle farm started by John Parker in 1788. I’ve seen Sonny play in Maui in Napilikai and he always plays soulful rich tones. He can really play guitar so masterfully. He also sings in Hawaiian which is like upper level slack key.
George Kuo(L)
The amazing and extremely talented George Kuo played a real nice set with Sonny on bass and the legendary ukulele player Bryan Tolentino. George Kuo is considered one of Hawaii’s premier slack key players. He plays naheahe style which is sweet and soothing.
George has a real upbeat way of working with other musicians. It’s really amazing to watch him play his double neck guitar. He was so happy and carefree. Everyone was having such a good time.
Kainani Kahaunaele is a mele or a Hawaiian song enthusiast. She is such a positive force for Hawaiian history and education. Her most recent recording is called “Waipunalei” won seven awards. Jeff Peterson gave an amazing performance. I was lucky enough to see Jeff play in Maui and I always play his music when Im driving around Maui so it always takes me back. Makaha Sons are such a strong musical force for Slack Key music and Hawaiian music. Their melodies come from an era and an ancient way that has existed on Hawaii for hundreds of years.
Mitch Chang from Kala Koa
Mitch Chang, the festival producer and and creator said a few words on stage. It’s just really so amazing to have a Slack Key festival right here in the South Bay of Los Angeles. Mitch also organises the Los Angeles Guitar festival and the Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival Visits www.kalakoa.com for upcoming event Information. The Hollywood Press Corps Looks forward to next years festival!
(HOLLYWOOD PRESS CORPS) Pasadena Comic Con is the premier comic convention in Pasadena, featuring over 60 AMAZING guests and over 100 exhibitors offering a wide variety of vintage comic books, toys, memorabilia, and more!
When: Sunday, January 29th from 10am to 5pm (with early bird admission at 9am)
Where: Pasadena Convention Center, 300 Green Street, Pasadena CA 91101
Meet special guests including Barry Bostwick (Brad from Rocky Horror Picture Show), Nicole Kang (Poison Ivy from the Batwoman TV show), Jay Fotos (DC Comic Creator/Artist), Johnny Young Bosch (Power Rangers), Bonnie Gordon (Star Trek Prodigy), Kirk Thatcher (Muppets writer/director), the puppeteers who brought you Baby Yoda to life in The Mandalorian, Bob West (voice of Barney the Dinosaur), Scott Shaw! (Comic Creator and penciler), Gigi Edgley (Farscape) and many more!
The event will feature a wide variety of comic book artists, voice actors, Disney actors, animators and more.
Admission:
10 am General Admission $12.00 advance tickets $15.00 at the door
9 am Early Bird $20.00 advance tickets $25.00 at the door
Sunday, January 15, 2023at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center
(HOLLYWOOD PRESS CORPS) —Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center — Friday, January 13th, 2023 — Kala Koa Entertainment celebrates 16 years of bringing the biggest and brightest names in Hawaiian music to the mainland with the 2023 Southern California Slack Key Festival returning to the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center on Sunday, January 15, 2023.
One of the most acclaimed Hawaiian concerts to ever leave the islands, the Southern California Slack Key Festival takes fans on a Hawaiian musical journey showcasing GRAMMY-winning slack key guitarists, the best hula dancers in the world, special guest performers and a free to the public Island Marketplace.
Since 2008, the Southern California Slack Key Festival has been the biggest Hawaiian music concert event in the mainland U.S. and features the most respected names in Hawaiian guitar music and hula today. Taking its name from a finger-picking style of guitar playing indigenous to Hawaii (as heard on the Grammy-nominated soundtrack for “The Descendants”), the Slack Key Festival brings the art of ki ho’alu guitar to Redondo Beach.
George Kuo
This year’s Southern California Slack Key Festival’s line-up includes George Kuo, one of Hawaii’s premier Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar artists; Makaha Sons, one of Hawaii’s leading Hawaiian musical groups; Sonny Lim, a member of Hawaii’s famous musical Lim family; Jeff Peterson, contributed to two Grammy Award-winning recordings and a winner of eight Na Hōkū Hanohano Awards; Jim “Kimo” West, 2021 Grammy Award-winner and multiple Na Hōkū Hanohano Awards;Kainani Kahaunaele, won seven Na Hōkū Hanohano Awards in 2021; Kamuela Kimokeo, a member of the Na Hōkū Hanohano award winning group Hi’ikua; Ka’ihi Kimokeo, and Bryan Tolentino, popular ukulele player who can be heard on scores of recordings for other artists as well as his own Grammy nominated CD’s.
What is Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Music? Played from the heart and soul through the fingers and flowing with vivid tropical images, Hawaiian ki ho’alu (slack key) is truly one of the great acoustic guitar traditions of the world. In slack key, some of the strings are “slacked” from the standard guitar tuning, with the thumb playing the bass notes while the other fingers play the melody and improvise in a finger-picked style.
How does the distinctive sound of slack key music fit into the fabric of Hawaiian music and culture? Watch this video and learn more about this beautiful generations-old art form – https://vimeo.com/155399448.
About the Artists
George Kuo is known as one of Hawaii’s premier Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar artists playing in the traditional nahenahe (sweet, soothing) style, bridging today’s generation with the older generations. George has been twice recognized with excellence in recording achievement by the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts, Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, for Instrumental Album of the year in 1995 for Hawaiian Touch and 1996 for “Aloha No Na Kupuna – Love for the Elders.” In 1986 Eddie Kamae asked George to join his group THE SONS OF HAWAII and in 2000 performed and recorded with Dennis & David Kamakahi & Martin Pahinui as the HUI ALOHA group. Highlights of George’s performing career are playing on the Garrison Keillor Prairie Home Companion Show with Chet Atkins and Johnny Gimble in 1993 and performing at the Hollywood Bowl with the Honolulu Symphony in 1997.
For 40 years, the Makaha Sons have committed themselves to perpetuating traditional Hawaiian music throughout Hawaiʻi and around the globe, considered to be one of Hawai’i’s premiere Hawaiian musical groups. They continue to perpetuate that vibrant sound, full and rich, with harmonies that only they can create. Their incomparable vocal arrangements and delightful stage presence is filled with comical antics which have won the hearts of thousands of fans worldwide. Their performances have taken them to such prestigious places as Carnegie Hall in New York City, Washington, D.C., and have performed for both the President and Vice-President of the United States.
Makaha Sons
A member of Hawai`i’s famous musical Lim family, Sonny Lim was born and raised in the heart of Hawaiian cowboy country on Hawai`i Island. Sonny was introduced to ki ho`alu as a child watching Gabby Pahinui perform at a lu`au in Kohala, his professional career began as a teenager when he commuted to Oahu from Hawai`i Island to perform with the Makaha Sons of Ni`ihau. Sonny’s first solo album in 2006, Slack Key Guitar: The Artistry of Sonny Lim, was a 48th GRAMMY® nominee in the Hawaiian Music category. One year prior to this nomination, he performed with 6 other solo artists on Hawai`i’s first GRAMMY® award-winning CD, Slack Key Guitar Volume 2. Sonny helped accept this inaugural Hawaiian GRAMMY® award on stage and his speech marked the first time the Hawaiian language had ever been spoken on the GRAMMY® stage.
Jeff Peterson was born on the Island of Maui and grew up on the slopes of Haleakala where he was introduced to the rich heritage of Hawaiian music by his father, a “paniolo” (Hawaiian cowboy), on the Haleakala Ranch. Recognized as one of Hawaii’s most versatile musicians, Jeff Peterson is at the heart of the Hawaiian music scene today, having contributed to two Grammy Award-winning recordings and winner of eight Na Hōkū Hanohano Awards in Hawaii including Slack Key Album of the Year for “Maui on My Mind” in 2010, “Slack Key Travels” in 2014 and “O’ahu” in 2016 which also earned him Instrumental Song of the Year for the song “Old Pali”. His latest release “Wahi Pana” is a full-length performance and documentary film and CD soundtrack.
Dr. Kamuela Kimokeo is a member of the Nā Hōku Hanohano award winning group Hiʻikua and is the head of the Music Department at Windward Community College where he teaches a variety of classes from ‘ukulele to music theory and history. He is also the driving force behind the Hawaiian Music Certificate Kaohekani. He started playing music professionally with his Dad in Waikiki when he was 14 years old and has toured with the likes of Hawaiian music Hall-of-Famer, Jerry Santos, five time Grammy Nominee, Amy Hanaiali’i, and Raiatea Helm. As a recording artist, Kamuela was part of the Grammy Nominated and Hōkū award winning guitar album Slack Key Kings Vol. II where he played a solo original composition “Holumoana” and also recorded as part of the group Pilioha which was nominated for multiple awards. In addition, Dr. Kimokeo’s son Ka’ihi Kimokeo will make his Southern California Slack Key Festival debut.
Jim “Kimo” West is recognized as one of the world’s top “slack key” guitarists and brings his own unique musical perspective to this great acoustic guitar tradition. He is a 2021 Grammy® Award winner for his CD, “More Guitar Stories” and a 2019 Grammy® nominee for “Moku Maluhia-Peaceful Island”. He is also a winner of the 2008 Hawaii Music Awards, a three-time Na Hoku Hanohano (the Hawaiian “Grammy”) nominee and a two-time winner of the LA Treasures Award for his contributions toward the perpetuation of ki ho’alu. Kimo’s film and TV credits include work for 20th Century Fox, Nickelodeon, The Disney Channel and Marvel.
Jim “Kimo” West
Kainani Kahaunaele is a mele (Hawaiian song) enthusiast, singer, songwriter, teacher, and musician. She was born and raised in Anahola, Kauaʻi and has lived in Hilo, Hawaiʻi for 27 years as an advocate for Hawaiian language revitalization and the perpetuation of Hawaiian music through education and performance. Her third and most recent recording, “Waipunalei,” won seven awards in six categories at the 2021 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, including album of the year, female vocalist, Hawaiian music album, song of the year, haku mele and Hawaiian language performance. https://www.staradvertiser.com/2021/10/07/features/kainani-kahaunaele-wins-big-at-2021-na-hoku-hanohano-awards-view-the-list-of-winners/
Ukulele player Bryan Tolentino has been known for the past forty plus years as an accompanist for some of Hawaiʻi’s most well-known and accomplished Hawaiian music artists and hula hālau. Bryan’s unique “fairy dusting” (as he calls it) can be heard on scores of recordings for other artists as well as his own Nā Hōkū Hanohano and Grammy nominated CD’s.
In addition to the concert, an Island Marketplace – free and open to the public – takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. outside of the venue. Browse a variety of island themed gifts, home décor, accessories, apparel, Hawaiian food, authentic island-style shave ice and outdoor entertainment.
When: Sunday, January 15, 2023; Concert 2:00 p.m.; Free Island Marketplace 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
